Electrochromic Glass Synchronization for Clear Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent portions of electronic devices often appear shaded in photographs and videos, obscuring objects on the far side and reducing image quality.
Innovation Solution
Devices and methods control the visual light transmission of transparent portions during image capture by transitioning them between clear and shaded states based on image capture events, user input, or device pairing, using electrochromic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transparent portion is shaded to reduce glare and improve user comfort, then user comfort is improved, but image quality deteriorates because objects on the far side become invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transparent portion's light transmission property changeable over time. The electrochromic material transitions between different states (clear, shaded, partially shaded) based on detected image capture events, allowing the system to adapt its optical properties dynamically rather than remaining static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting image capture events before they occur and pre-adjusting the transparent portion's light transmission property. When an image capture event is detected, the system transitions the electrochromic material to a clear state in advance of or during the capture, ensuring optimal visibility for the photograph or video
2Loss of information
If the transparent portion is made clear to improve visibility through the device, then image quality is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to increased glare
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transparent portion's optical properties based on real-time detection of image capture events. During normal use, the portion remains shaded for user comfort, but automatically transitions to clear when needed for photography, and returns to shaded afterward
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the temporary, event-driven nature of the clearing action. The transparent portion is cleared only during specific time periods when image capture is detected, then returns to its shaded state, creating a periodic cycle of clear-shaded transitions based on capture events
3Loss of information
If the transparent portion transitions quickly between states for camera exposure, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the electrochromic material's ability to change its optical transmission parameter in response to electrical signals. The material's light transmission property is the key parameter being modified, allowing quick transitions between clear and shaded states through controlled electrical activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the electrochromic material - that mediates between the control system and the transparent portion. This material layer enables the actual optical property changes, separating the control function from the optical function and managing device complexity through functional decomposition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances image quality by ensuring visible content, including user features, and facilitates image processing techniques like inpainting and machine learning for improved image modification.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a visual light transmission property of a portion of a first device during an image capture event. This may involve controlling shading of electrochromic material (e.g. glass) to be clear, dark, or a predefined percentage shaded
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that control a visual light transmission property of a viewing portion (e.g., glass) of a first device during an image capture event in which an image of the first device is captured by a second device. In one implementation, the portion of the first device is quickly transitioned from a first state to a second state (e.g., being made lighter or darker) for a camera exposure. The dark appearance of the portion of a first device while outdoors may be transitioned to a light appearance while a photo or video is captured. In a second implementation, the portion of the first device is maintained in a first state while a photo or video is captured. For example, the clear appearance of the portion of the first device while inside may be maintained while a photo or video is captured using a flash.